Bereavement
Related: About this forumToday, I remember my dear friend Andy.
He would have been 76 today. I miss him.
We hadn't known each other very long--our friendship first bloomed in 2020, in the Photo Group.
He was newly divorced, depressed and an incredibly good photographer. We hit it off right away!
His illness and death caught me by surprise; nobody close to him had any idea how sick he was. I couldn't figure it out. His ex-wife filled me in in the aftermath of his death. Of course, she knew him and his family history much better than I did.
Talking to her was a comfort. She and I had a lot in common and it brought us together to mourn, and to remember.
I've pretty much gotten used to the fact that he's gone, although the pain still strikes--just not as often or as hard. I try to focus on the really good times we had. It helps.
Writing about him today helps so much. Thank goodness for the Bereavement Group. This is a safe place for me.
Fair seas and following winds, dear Andy . . .
Walleye
(35,655 posts)CaliforniaPeggy
(152,069 posts)Goddessartist
(2,067 posts)and grateful that you got to know him. I've made a good friend or two here as well.
We lost a dear friend just a few days ago. I had no idea he had heart problems, he was such a big personality and just shined.
They both are released from pain and fly high together.
JohnSJ
(96,520 posts)Diamond_Dog
(34,612 posts)Ive no sage words of comfort - just know that we all loved and appreciated Andys photos and comments here on DU too. The photo group just isnt the same without him.
Gosh, I cant believe its already been a year since he passed.
Peace to you today.
CaliforniaPeggy
(152,069 posts)I wanted to let you know that he hasnt been gone a year. Im posting because todays his birthday.
He died December 12th. March 12th will be 3 months for him.
Thank you for your lovely words.
LoisB
(8,639 posts)mitch96
(14,651 posts)Hope22
(2,841 posts)mahina
(18,938 posts)AllaN01Bear
(23,039 posts)littlemissmartypants
(25,483 posts)❤️
murielm99
(31,433 posts)I, too, treasure this group. They make it feel safe to talk about my brother.
keopeli
(3,579 posts)CaliforniaPeggy
(152,069 posts)This was taken by Grumpy Old Guy back in 2021, on Andy's first visit to California:
Here's the three of us at lunch on the same trip:
And this one I took at home on Andy's visit last August. My husband was clowning and Andy was smiling:
I forgot one! He and I thought it would be fun to photograph our hands together, so we did.
Enjoy!
keopeli
(3,579 posts)I can see the joy in each of your auras! I really needed this reminder of the beauty in life, the joy in living, and the transcendence of art. Thank you, California Peggy! And thank you Andy! Blessings one and all!
CaliforniaPeggy
(152,069 posts)The hand clasp! When I found out that Andy was dying, I remembered taking that photo, and I was so grateful that we had taken it. It's a vivid reminder of what we meant to each other.
Blessings to you as well.
SleeplessinSoCal
(9,668 posts)It's wondrous how photos can say so much. Yesterday we spent a long time on the freeway during the midday rains. Then after an hour and a half a rainbow appeared. It brightened our trek and I wanted to take a picture of it, but decided I should keep my eyes on the car ahead of me. But it is snapped in my memory.
Thanks for your beautifully expressed tribute to Andy Miss Peggy.